Although a wireless printer offers the convenience of printing files such as documents and reports without the bulk of cables, connection problems can prevent Windows 7 systems from detecting the printer. These issues often interfere with pairing, a process that enables the computer to find the wireless printer using devices such as a Bluetooth adapter.

Pairing

Wireless printers often use Bluetooth adapters to communicate with a computer. This is especially common with computers that do not come with a built-in Bluetooth feature. If your Windows 7 system is not detecting the wireless printer, it may not be properly paired with the machine, or the pairing information may have been lost. Incorrect Bluetooth passkeys are also common causes of pairing problems. Refer to your wireless printer's documentation to turn on discoverability and configure it your Windows 7 system. If you're using a Bluetooth adapter, make sure it's properly connected to the USB port on your computer and turned on.

Printer Range

If your computer is still not finding the wireless printer, the software you're using is probably not communicating with the printer. Distance is another common cause of detection problems. If the printer is out of range, or a little too close to the PC, the Windows 7 system may run into problems detecting it. The appropriate distance between your printer and the PC varies with different printers, so always refer to your device's manual for information on the correct setup distance.

Conflicts

In some cases, a Windows 7 system will run into problems detecting a wireless printer if more than one Bluetooth wireless device is connected to the system. If you have more than one Bluetooth printer connected to the computer, make sure your PC is properly connecting to the device you want to use. Several wireless devices connected to the computer also tend to lead to busy signals, which results in detection problems. In such a case, disconnecting wireless devices other than the wireless printer can solve connection problems.

Reinstalling

In some cases, the Windows 7 system may not detect the printer after some system updates; there may also be interference from certain programs. In such a case, reinstalling the wireless printer is necessary. If you open the Printers feature from "Hardware and Sound" found in the Control Panel, you can reinstall the printer safely. The "Add a network, wireless or Bluetooth" feature enables you to reinstall and reconfigure the printer. The reinstallation may require re-entering the device's passkey. Follow the guided prompts in the printer setup wizard to reinstall the printer.

About the Author

Kefa Olang has been writing articles online since April 2009. He has been published in the "Celebration of Young Poets" and has an associate degree in communication and media arts from Dutchess Community College, and a bachelor's degree in broadcasting and mass communication from the State University of New York, Oswego.